The Case for a Web3 based Chess Platform
Published on Sep 5, 2023
Why Chess?
Since appearing in India in the 6th Century, Chess has become a favourite past time of the world, an obsessive hobby that millions play everyday. Although thousands of years old, Chess itself has enjoyed very little innovation since inception with companies like chess.com bringing the game to the internet and allowing people from all parts of the world to play against each other.
But where’s the competitive edge we see in other eSports? Where’s the excitement and allure to new players? Or even, where’s the incentivisation necessary to see more players reaching for the upper echelons of high level Chess?
Chess is an incredible game but (and that’s a big but), it’s in need of a facelift. Chess3 exists as an effort to make Chess more inclusive, more lucrative, more exciting and more popular than ever.
1. The Competitive Void in Chess eSport
Drawing from the overwhelming competitive spirit seen in other eSports, it’s evident that traditional Chess, though profoundly strategic and engrossing, lacks that palpable adrenaline rush.
Games like League of Legends or Dota 2, for instance, have massive tournaments with pyrotechnic stages, passionate crowds, and nail-biting finishes. Such dynamics not only appeal to players but also to spectators, creating an ecosystem of engagement and excitement. While platforms like chess.com have digitised the game, they haven’t necessarily turned it into an eSport spectacle that pulls audiences to the edge of their seats.
2. Engaging the New Generation
The next critical point I want to make it that there’s effectively no allure to new players. We know there’s a pretty steep drop off in interest when teenagers turn university age. Chess, being pretty dang old, is often viewed as a static, traditional game, primarily appealing to purists or those with a certain depth of understanding.
Some competitions also barely pay players. Australia is a great example of this; top prizes on the national tournaments are usually as little $4,000 AUD for first place. Prize pools can be as low as $20,000 AUD. Of course this is still a good amount of money but contrast this with some of the European tournaments that offer prize pools up to 2,000,000 EURO. Doesn’t seem all that alluring does it?
Chess is undoubtedly a classic, but its reputation has taken a hit among younger generations, who often see it as outdated. Combine that with the underwhelming prize money in places like Australia, especially when compared to massive European prize pools, and it’s clear we’re facing an allure problem. For Chess to thrive in the modern era, we need to both refresh its image and ensure it offers rewards that reflect its value and skill level.
3. Incentivising Excellence in Chess
If we take a closer look at major eSports titles, beyond the game mechanics, there’s a significant infrastructure built around rewarding excellence. From massive prize pools to sponsorship deals and even stardom, top players have a lot to aim for.
In Chess, despite the grandeur of titles like ‘Grandmaster’, there lacks a comparable financial incentive or limelight. By making high-level Chess more rewarding, both in terms of monetary gains and recognition, we can inspire more players to commit and push the boundaries of their skills.
With Web3 technology, we can allow players an opportunity to increase their potential earnings and turn a beloved hobby into a casual/part-time job. This earning opportunity could see a new wave of interest from the millions of players who still haven’t given Chess a go. Or maybe they played it when they were younger and are just picking it back up. Or perhaps you’re a season veteran and have been playing Chess (in some form) since the dawn of time.
Whatever the case, Chess3 will look to cultivate a community of Chess enthusiasts who can earn an extra couple bucks for playing a game they love.
Conclusion: Revolutionising a Timeless Game
Chess3, recognising these gaps and opportunities, seeks to be the avant-garde movement giving Chess its much-needed rejuvenation. By adding inclusivity, amplifying its competitive spirit, and providing tangible incentives, Chess3 doesn’t just aim to rebrand a game; it endeavours to reshape the entire Chess ecosystem.
This is not about changing the soul of Chess but about amplifying its heartbeat for the modern era, making it resonate louder and clearer across generations and geographies.